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Wicked Falls Elite #1
Hateful Vows
"I wanted something, and I took it. That’s how it works, little bird.”
This city has been ruled by the five families since before I was born. Now, Wicked Falls Elite is ruled by their sons.
Everyone hates me here but none more than Briggs Weston, and he has vowed to make my life a living hell.
Briggs is as gorgeous as he is unhinged, sinister, and untouchable.
But if he thinks I’m going to bow down to him without a fight, he is in for a rude awakening.
*This is the first book in the Wicked Falls Elite series, but it can be read as a standalone. Please be advised that this story includes many triggers. A complete list of triggers can be found inside the book. This story ends in a HEA.*
This city has been ruled by the five families since before I was born. Now, Wicked Falls Elite is ruled by their sons.
Everyone hates me here but none more than Briggs Weston, and he has vowed to make my life a living hell.
Briggs is as gorgeous as he is unhinged, sinister, and untouchable.
But if he thinks I’m going to bow down to him without a fight, he is in for a rude awakening.
*This is the first book in the Wicked Falls Elite series, but it can be read as a standalone. Please be advised that this story includes many triggers. A complete list of triggers can be found inside the book. This story ends in a HEA.*
Audible Audio
Published September 2, 2025
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About the author
C. Hallman
132 books2,710 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
October 1, 2024
I am sorry, but when did rape culture become acceptable as a kink!!!!
I was recommended this and the blurb excited me because I'm always looking for the female lead who would push back, who is not a doormat, who stands up for herself
This is what was in the blurb verbatum
Briggs is as gorgeous as he is unhinged, sinister, and untouchable. But if he thinks I’m going to bow down to him without a fight, he is in for a rude awakening.
I wanted that "rude awakening", but with a little push he had her give him
1- a HJ under manipulation
2- forced her to a BJ in front of his friends
3- almost raped her in the bathroom
But that is not what tilted me over the edge
He saw someone roofie her drink, so he decided to take advantage of her while drugged and took her virginity!!!!!!
And then he has the audacity to say that he is not like his father?! You are worse sir! You are a rapist
And she is the definition of a doormat
It's 2024 almost 2025 ppl! Stop writing shit like this
This is not Dark Romance that heals!!! This is someone writing their fetish erotica
I was recommended this and the blurb excited me because I'm always looking for the female lead who would push back, who is not a doormat, who stands up for herself
This is what was in the blurb verbatum
Briggs is as gorgeous as he is unhinged, sinister, and untouchable. But if he thinks I’m going to bow down to him without a fight, he is in for a rude awakening.
I wanted that "rude awakening", but with a little push he had her give him
1- a HJ under manipulation
2- forced her to a BJ in front of his friends
3- almost raped her in the bathroom
But that is not what tilted me over the edge
He saw someone roofie her drink, so he decided to take advantage of her while drugged and took her virginity!!!!!!
And then he has the audacity to say that he is not like his father?! You are worse sir! You are a rapist
And she is the definition of a doormat
It's 2024 almost 2025 ppl! Stop writing shit like this
This is not Dark Romance that heals!!! This is someone writing their fetish erotica
September 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I have not read a bully book this good since Untouchable. It literally checked every box!!
I can’t wait for all the other stories 🥺
👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I have not read a bully book this good since Untouchable. It literally checked every box!!
I can’t wait for all the other stories 🥺
September 28, 2024
2⭐
And to be honest, I think that's a generous rating.
It's far too similar to other series by the same author, I felt like I was reading the same book/characters and storyline.
The hero and his friends are awful and a bit ridiculous at the same time (a recurring problem with barely grown-up heroes who think they're the kings of the town).
The hero's hatred of the heroine is completely misplaced, and the intensity of her harassment makes no sense.
The heroine is a martyr throughout the book, and I'm not interested in torture porn.
(The heroine was sexually assaulted when she was younger, there are also two men who try to rape her, she is beaten, her hair is cut, the hero threatens her with a knife, etc).
There is also a scene that I hated, the hero exposes the heroine naked in front of two of his friends, he also gives her an ultimatum where one of the choices is to give his friends a hand job ??
Luckily that didn't happen and he became increasingly jealous and possessive, so I don't think he would have let it happen, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I just think all the men in this book deserve to die 🤷♀️
Safety/ Spoilers
- No sharing or cheating between the MC’s.
(but there's that borderline scene at the beginning)
- Virgin FMC. Experienced MMC.
- No OW drama (except for one scene where another girl tries to ‘rub’ herself against the hero)
- No OM drama
TW
- Dubcon/noncon (from the MMC)
- Mention of SA (FMC was sexually assaulted by one of her mother’s boyfriend)
- Attempted SA and physical abuse on the FMC
And to be honest, I think that's a generous rating.
It's far too similar to other series by the same author, I felt like I was reading the same book/characters and storyline.
The hero and his friends are awful and a bit ridiculous at the same time (a recurring problem with barely grown-up heroes who think they're the kings of the town).
The hero's hatred of the heroine is completely misplaced, and the intensity of her harassment makes no sense.
The heroine is a martyr throughout the book, and I'm not interested in torture porn.
(The heroine was sexually assaulted when she was younger, there are also two men who try to rape her, she is beaten, her hair is cut, the hero threatens her with a knife, etc).
There is also a scene that I hated, the hero exposes the heroine naked in front of two of his friends, he also gives her an ultimatum where one of the choices is to give his friends a hand job ??
Luckily that didn't happen and he became increasingly jealous and possessive, so I don't think he would have let it happen, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I just think all the men in this book deserve to die 🤷♀️
Safety/ Spoilers
- No sharing or cheating between the MC’s.
(but there's that borderline scene at the beginning)
- Virgin FMC. Experienced MMC.
- No OW drama (except for one scene where another girl tries to ‘rub’ herself against the hero)
- No OM drama
TW
- Dubcon/noncon (from the MMC)
- Mention of SA (FMC was sexually assaulted by one of her mother’s boyfriend)
- Attempted SA and physical abuse on the FMC
April 22, 2025
The bullying carries on too long and he hates her for no good reason. Its not her fault and he is putting the blame on the wrong person. This was very similar to every single bully romance there is nothing that stood out. I was disappointed the blurb made it seem like it would have a unique twist but it didnt.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2024
My Rating: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
We Have
✅ OTT Possessive/Touch her and die
✅ DubCon/NonCon
✅ Dark
✅ Bully
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Quick Read (>35o Pages)
✅ Stand Alone
✅ Multi POV
✅ Part of a Universe
So first... I think this is my 100th review...
Woot Woot! ＼ (^O^) ／
This was my first ARC. However, I'm always going to give my honest opinion soooo I don't know if will be my last 😏😏.
I'm not mad at this book! I feel like getting an ARC is not a "finished" version just yet and there will probably be some behind-the-scenes editing happening before it's released. The beginning of the story was kind of awkward. It didn't flow. There were a lot of things that happened that made me say "how did we get here" and I feel like the MC's were rushed... In the beginning and there wasn't interaction to explain how certain things happened when they happened. (cryptic much? I know I'm trying not to spoil lol)
As things progressed, I didn't care about the beginning. This was a bully romance fo yo azz - and boy was there bullying. This was also dark, and I love how my twisted soul enjoys dark romances (judge ya momma). There were some heavy themes in here. TW's are listed in the beginning - but all that made me do was lick my lips and jump in.
I liked that there were no cut cards. This dude was an asshole. The FMC was kinda weak though. I do wish she had a bit more of a backbone, BUT given her character she did what she could, when she could do it. Typical bully romance themes here :)
The smut tho... Yeah, the smut was pretty good. There were enough scenes to make it yummy and enough detail to make it enjoyable. Again, not mad at it. For me - this was a fantastic palate cleanser coming off of a sort of YA book - and gave me the adult content I craved after a slow burn. Had I read this after something smuttier...meh I think this still wouldn't be an awful book. it's not 100% my cup of tea, however - if you rather enjoy dark, bully, (kind of ) mafia romance I don't think you'd be unsatisfied with this book. I feel like if the character introductions were different than how it started this could have easily garnered more stars from me.
We Have
✅ OTT Possessive/Touch her and die
✅ DubCon/NonCon
✅ Dark
✅ Bully
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Quick Read (>35o Pages)
✅ Stand Alone
✅ Multi POV
✅ Part of a Universe
So first... I think this is my 100th review...
Woot Woot! ＼ (^O^) ／
This was my first ARC. However, I'm always going to give my honest opinion soooo I don't know if will be my last 😏😏.
I'm not mad at this book! I feel like getting an ARC is not a "finished" version just yet and there will probably be some behind-the-scenes editing happening before it's released. The beginning of the story was kind of awkward. It didn't flow. There were a lot of things that happened that made me say "how did we get here" and I feel like the MC's were rushed... In the beginning and there wasn't interaction to explain how certain things happened when they happened. (cryptic much? I know I'm trying not to spoil lol)
As things progressed, I didn't care about the beginning. This was a bully romance fo yo azz - and boy was there bullying. This was also dark, and I love how my twisted soul enjoys dark romances (judge ya momma). There were some heavy themes in here. TW's are listed in the beginning - but all that made me do was lick my lips and jump in.
I liked that there were no cut cards. This dude was an asshole. The FMC was kinda weak though. I do wish she had a bit more of a backbone, BUT given her character she did what she could, when she could do it. Typical bully romance themes here :)
The smut tho... Yeah, the smut was pretty good. There were enough scenes to make it yummy and enough detail to make it enjoyable. Again, not mad at it. For me - this was a fantastic palate cleanser coming off of a sort of YA book - and gave me the adult content I craved after a slow burn. Had I read this after something smuttier...meh I think this still wouldn't be an awful book. it's not 100% my cup of tea, however - if you rather enjoy dark, bully, (kind of ) mafia romance I don't think you'd be unsatisfied with this book. I feel like if the character introductions were different than how it started this could have easily garnered more stars from me.
September 23, 2024
Bully Whooo!
Can't get mad when a book delivers what it promises.
Bully ✔️
Hate smex ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️
College Bully ✔️
This book has it all and it fully embraces the dark side of dark romance. Straight up non to the con! Yesss ✔️✔️ No pussay footing around on that one. There are forced sexual acts. The FMC doesn't want to do. We see it go from non con to dub con to kind of cnc. She's this close 🤏🏾 to being a full blown door mat of "I have no choice"dom, but whew does it warm my dark romance ♥️ .
FamilyDrama:
The MMC has layers, y'all....he's bad but you know family trauma. His hatred of the FMC, Wren; makes zero sense, but he's like 18 and under pressure and misses his dead mom. So all of the pain he wants to push on Wren, aka Little Bird, is tots warranted, right? Wren is like a walking "kick me" sign, but there's a false bravado fake strength that lets you know when she really breaks for Briggs.
BullyRomance:
All the things one enjoys in a bully romance. It truly is a relationship based on enemies who hate one another. Briggs wasn't secretly pining after her. Wren symbolized so many things that went wrong in his life.
Spicy Steam:
The steam is really steamy leave you 🤤 because whew boy is it hot. The drug-induced smex scene was 🔥. The forced BJ and hand job scenes were perfection 👌🏾. How about forcing Wern to have smex in public🥰 ? It was all done so well and eqch escalation we saw more layers to the MMC moving closer to love instead of hate. It was a gradual but so worth it if looking for a dark bully romance.
SecretMystery:
The mystery outcome made very little sense in the grand scheme, but whatevs because this world is just a lot of forced smex fun. I'm down for book 2.
Can't get mad when a book delivers what it promises.
Bully ✔️
Hate smex ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️
College Bully ✔️
This book has it all and it fully embraces the dark side of dark romance. Straight up non to the con! Yesss ✔️✔️ No pussay footing around on that one. There are forced sexual acts. The FMC doesn't want to do. We see it go from non con to dub con to kind of cnc. She's this close 🤏🏾 to being a full blown door mat of "I have no choice"dom, but whew does it warm my dark romance ♥️ .
FamilyDrama:
The MMC has layers, y'all....he's bad but you know family trauma. His hatred of the FMC, Wren; makes zero sense, but he's like 18 and under pressure and misses his dead mom. So all of the pain he wants to push on Wren, aka Little Bird, is tots warranted, right? Wren is like a walking "kick me" sign, but there's a false bravado fake strength that lets you know when she really breaks for Briggs.
BullyRomance:
All the things one enjoys in a bully romance. It truly is a relationship based on enemies who hate one another. Briggs wasn't secretly pining after her. Wren symbolized so many things that went wrong in his life.
Spicy Steam:
The steam is really steamy leave you 🤤 because whew boy is it hot. The drug-induced smex scene was 🔥. The forced BJ and hand job scenes were perfection 👌🏾. How about forcing Wern to have smex in public🥰 ? It was all done so well and eqch escalation we saw more layers to the MMC moving closer to love instead of hate. It was a gradual but so worth it if looking for a dark bully romance.
SecretMystery:
The mystery outcome made very little sense in the grand scheme, but whatevs because this world is just a lot of forced smex fun. I'm down for book 2.
November 28, 2024
A great bully romance but very similar in storyline and style to many I've read. It had the usual dark themes of bully, enemies to lovers in an academic setting. The hero's hatred of the heroine was not credible, but I could go for it because it was just at the edge of convincing. Most bully romances depict these misplaced themes.
Great story progression and building of their attraction. I enjoyed the hero's enthrallment with her and her attempts to push back. This hero most certainly did not play fair. Great spice and side character hints of stories, which I'm sure we'll read more about. A quasi somno scene though the heroine was inebriated rather than asleep or unconscious. One of their hottest scenes in their romance.
Neat little bow of an ending -- he just decides he likes and must protect her and the bullying stops -- including tying up the subplot of discovering who was threatening her. I would be inclined to read the next book hoping it's darker and more complex than this one. 3.5 stars
Great story progression and building of their attraction. I enjoyed the hero's enthrallment with her and her attempts to push back. This hero most certainly did not play fair. Great spice and side character hints of stories, which I'm sure we'll read more about. A quasi somno scene though the heroine was inebriated rather than asleep or unconscious. One of their hottest scenes in their romance.
Neat little bow of an ending -- he just decides he likes and must protect her and the bullying stops -- including tying up the subplot of discovering who was threatening her. I would be inclined to read the next book hoping it's darker and more complex than this one. 3.5 stars
September 9, 2024
I've said it before and I'll say it again I love an enemies to lovers heavy on the bully and 'she's mine'. This book delivered it in heaps almost a bit to much 😅 I hated Briggs and my heart hurt for Wren for what she endured both from him and others.
Throughout the book I started to catch glimpses of the Briggs I hoped for, the love he has for his sister, how protective he is, how obsessed he is and the little moments he has with Wren.
Wren is so resilient, strong and honestly powerful the way she gets back up after being knocked down time and time again. And the fact that even after everything she goes though she still wants to see the good in everything.
This book was great and the only thing that could have made it better was it just felt a bit rushed at the end to tie everything together, but all in all great book and will absolutely recommend.
Throughout the book I started to catch glimpses of the Briggs I hoped for, the love he has for his sister, how protective he is, how obsessed he is and the little moments he has with Wren.
Wren is so resilient, strong and honestly powerful the way she gets back up after being knocked down time and time again. And the fact that even after everything she goes though she still wants to see the good in everything.
This book was great and the only thing that could have made it better was it just felt a bit rushed at the end to tie everything together, but all in all great book and will absolutely recommend.
December 3, 2024
I enjoyed this quick read! The story moved quickly, and for this book, it fit really well with the plot! I loved Wren and Briggs and their whole power dynamic. I will be recommending this to my book friends!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2024
If you’re looking for a dark ßull¥ romance where the MMC is cruel, unhinged, and does horrible things to the FMC for most of the story—I know you’re out there—look no more. C. Hallman’s “Hateful Vows” checks all the boxes. Readers will dislike Briggs, the MMC, but you’re supposed to. It’s intentionally written this way. He’s the ßüll¥. He does horrible things that are truly egregious. There are detailed TW/CWs for a reason.
C. Hallman is known for writing dark romances, and she is kicking off a new series. Briggs and his friends are part of the five families in town—wealthy and powerful. Their families rule the town, and their sons rule the school, with Briggs being the lead. Briggs, though, has beef with one student in particular, Wren. He is determined to make her life miserable and is quite successful at it.
The way C. Hallman writes has me feeling all the emotions—anger and frustration toward Briggs and sometimes Wren, sadness, of course, for Wren, and, surprisingly, at times, for Briggs. It did happen. Overall, I found “Hateful Vows” entertaining, and I am curious how the rest of the series goes.
C. Hallman is known for writing dark romances, and she is kicking off a new series. Briggs and his friends are part of the five families in town—wealthy and powerful. Their families rule the town, and their sons rule the school, with Briggs being the lead. Briggs, though, has beef with one student in particular, Wren. He is determined to make her life miserable and is quite successful at it.
The way C. Hallman writes has me feeling all the emotions—anger and frustration toward Briggs and sometimes Wren, sadness, of course, for Wren, and, surprisingly, at times, for Briggs. It did happen. Overall, I found “Hateful Vows” entertaining, and I am curious how the rest of the series goes.
August 28, 2024
Hateful Vows is the first book in a new series f/Cassandra. It’s been so long since I’ve read one of her book so I immediately jumped on the opportunity to read this.
Briggs was such an a**, I didn’t think his reasoning for bullying Wren was justified. However, I loved seeing his softer & protective side when it came to his little sister- & towards the end Wren too. There was a lot of hot/cold coming f/Briggs, his hatred for Wren is evident. But in between his bullying & hating her, there’s little glimpses of protectiveness too & I loved seeing both sides come out.
I thought Wren was incredibly strong & I was so glad to see her backbone right off the bat. Right f/the start of the book she didn’t take Briggs crap. I love seeing that in a fmc.
Overall this was a good read, the bullying was instant & pretty much nonstop, it has a couple steamy scenes and in the end Briggs redeemed himself.
Briggs was such an a**, I didn’t think his reasoning for bullying Wren was justified. However, I loved seeing his softer & protective side when it came to his little sister- & towards the end Wren too. There was a lot of hot/cold coming f/Briggs, his hatred for Wren is evident. But in between his bullying & hating her, there’s little glimpses of protectiveness too & I loved seeing both sides come out.
I thought Wren was incredibly strong & I was so glad to see her backbone right off the bat. Right f/the start of the book she didn’t take Briggs crap. I love seeing that in a fmc.
Overall this was a good read, the bullying was instant & pretty much nonstop, it has a couple steamy scenes and in the end Briggs redeemed himself.
April 19, 2025
If I had to choose between reading the book again or pulling my eyes out with tweezers,the choice would be obvious…
December 17, 2024
I loved this book. But for those who don’t enjoy non-con this is definitely not the book for you. This is dark, the FMC is relentlessly bullied and her home life is shit. It’s a great read for lovers of all things dark.
October 8, 2024
This was a very classic college bully read.
As always with Cassandra Hall an, she writes so well with a glowing storyline, the characters are all built up.
Our FMC, Wren, is introduced immediately as she walks into Wicked Falls knowing she doesn't fit in. She's absolutely right. She's pelted with verbal assult from that moment on. And it only gets worse when our MMC is on the scene.
She plays a strong female role and even with what Briggs puts her thru she tries to stay true to that. But there is only so much a person can take.
Briggs is the son of on the "five families" of Wicked Falls.
Now here's the issue I do have.... Not quite sure what these five families are, do or they're purpose in general really. We're treated to a sight of his father who is a loud, obnoxious drunk who doesn't care about his son or small daughter, Tia.
Would have liked a lot more information about this part of the story.
However as far as the main characters go, Briggs hates Wren on sight for a personal reason. And due to his status, naturally everyone follow his lead. There is a strange absence of the usual group of bitchy girls you get, which is kind of refreshing tbh! But that's not to say she's not targeted by girls, but just not the "bitchy" group!
Noone is as vicious as him tho. He has a nasty attitude, evil ways to torment Wren and think it's perfectly acceptable to do it....
To watch his transformation from hate to wanting to protect her when her life is in danger is actually nice to see.
I love that the story goes till the very last page. That we don't find out who writes the letters till almost the very end. And it really is a surprise!
I kind of expected Wren to get pregnant after the amount of unprotected sex they had... They must have been INCREDIBLY lucky!!!!
Take note of some of the TWs before heading in, but otherwise, this is like I say, your classic bully tale!
As always with Cassandra Hall an, she writes so well with a glowing storyline, the characters are all built up.
Our FMC, Wren, is introduced immediately as she walks into Wicked Falls knowing she doesn't fit in. She's absolutely right. She's pelted with verbal assult from that moment on. And it only gets worse when our MMC is on the scene.
She plays a strong female role and even with what Briggs puts her thru she tries to stay true to that. But there is only so much a person can take.
Briggs is the son of on the "five families" of Wicked Falls.
Now here's the issue I do have.... Not quite sure what these five families are, do or they're purpose in general really. We're treated to a sight of his father who is a loud, obnoxious drunk who doesn't care about his son or small daughter, Tia.
Would have liked a lot more information about this part of the story.
However as far as the main characters go, Briggs hates Wren on sight for a personal reason. And due to his status, naturally everyone follow his lead. There is a strange absence of the usual group of bitchy girls you get, which is kind of refreshing tbh! But that's not to say she's not targeted by girls, but just not the "bitchy" group!
Noone is as vicious as him tho. He has a nasty attitude, evil ways to torment Wren and think it's perfectly acceptable to do it....
To watch his transformation from hate to wanting to protect her when her life is in danger is actually nice to see.
I love that the story goes till the very last page. That we don't find out who writes the letters till almost the very end. And it really is a surprise!
I kind of expected Wren to get pregnant after the amount of unprotected sex they had... They must have been INCREDIBLY lucky!!!!
Take note of some of the TWs before heading in, but otherwise, this is like I say, your classic bully tale!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
I received an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️.5
I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to bully romances. If it's done right I'm completely here for it. But when its not, the book doesn't have the same impact and normally falls flat. I got to listen to this book and Sean Masters never disappoints. His narrations always bring the story to life. However, I wasn't a fan on Chloe Ryan's narration. It was hard to listen to her parts. I don't know if it was her narration style or if it was the book but I just wanted to get through it quickly. This audiobook is in dual narration.
It was slightly painful to get through this story. It just wasn't for me. This bully romance just didn't hit right. First, Briggs was taking out his anger on Wren for something her mother did. For a bully romance that part wasn't too bad. But Briggs' bullying and constant mix of emotions was starting to get tiresome. Not only that, I can't stand a doormat FMC. That's exactly what Wren was. Not only was she a doormat but she was naive to the point where it was irritating. Another point was with how possessive and territorial Briggs was, his moment of sharing didn't make sense.
The moment where he realized how he felt about her and did the bare minimum to apologize and protect her also didn't match up to the extent that he bullied her.
Even though there was a lot to be desired about this book, there were some cute moments that melted me a bit. Briggs' attention to his sister was adorable and how he taught Wren to swim was also a cute moment.
I'm not saying this book was horrible, there were some moments that made this book tolerable. But, I'm very picky when it comes to this trope and unfortunately for me, it didn't hit that sweet spot.
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️.5
I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to bully romances. If it's done right I'm completely here for it. But when its not, the book doesn't have the same impact and normally falls flat. I got to listen to this book and Sean Masters never disappoints. His narrations always bring the story to life. However, I wasn't a fan on Chloe Ryan's narration. It was hard to listen to her parts. I don't know if it was her narration style or if it was the book but I just wanted to get through it quickly. This audiobook is in dual narration.
It was slightly painful to get through this story. It just wasn't for me. This bully romance just didn't hit right. First, Briggs was taking out his anger on Wren for something her mother did. For a bully romance that part wasn't too bad. But Briggs' bullying and constant mix of emotions was starting to get tiresome. Not only that, I can't stand a doormat FMC. That's exactly what Wren was. Not only was she a doormat but she was naive to the point where it was irritating. Another point was with how possessive and territorial Briggs was, his moment of sharing didn't make sense.
The moment where he realized how he felt about her and did the bare minimum to apologize and protect her also didn't match up to the extent that he bullied her.
Even though there was a lot to be desired about this book, there were some cute moments that melted me a bit. Briggs' attention to his sister was adorable and how he taught Wren to swim was also a cute moment.
I'm not saying this book was horrible, there were some moments that made this book tolerable. But, I'm very picky when it comes to this trope and unfortunately for me, it didn't hit that sweet spot.
October 16, 2024
Usually doesn’t take me long to finish a book but for some reason I had a hard time investing in these two. Briggs is extremely unlikeable. I understand his motives but his execution is over the top.
And his ability to punish a girl the way he does while also being his younger sisters protector was ridiculous. I mean how can you do anything to protect a woman in your life while simultaneously destroying another woman in your life?
Briggs does more than bully Wren. He forces her into having sex more than once. He takes pride in breaking her down. He thrives off seeing her in pain. His fear is what turns him on.
There wasn’t groveling or remorse. There were no discussions on how his actions were wrong. He simply played it off as a s&m type dynamic… one she came to realize was her kink.
I don’t know, I guess while I like this authors writing this story simply wasn’t for me.
🖤 dark college romance
🖤 HFN ending with a major cliffhanger plot line
🖤 virgin, outcast, scholarship h
🖤 founding family H
🖤 noncon/rape
🖤 exhibitionism — sex in a pool at a party
🖤 stalker, not the H
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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And his ability to punish a girl the way he does while also being his younger sisters protector was ridiculous. I mean how can you do anything to protect a woman in your life while simultaneously destroying another woman in your life?
Briggs does more than bully Wren. He forces her into having sex more than once. He takes pride in breaking her down. He thrives off seeing her in pain. His fear is what turns him on.
There wasn’t groveling or remorse. There were no discussions on how his actions were wrong. He simply played it off as a s&m type dynamic… one she came to realize was her kink.
I don’t know, I guess while I like this authors writing this story simply wasn’t for me.
🖤 dark college romance
🖤 HFN ending with a major cliffhanger plot line
🖤 virgin, outcast, scholarship h
🖤 founding family H
🖤 noncon/rape
🖤 exhibitionism — sex in a pool at a party
🖤 stalker, not the H
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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December 4, 2025
If you're looking for dark romance, be prepared: this is set at Wicked Falls University and is Vicious Society, by Morgan Bridges, on steroids, omg! This book is full of major triggers, so be prepared to check them because it is no joke!
Briggs Weston is the definition of completely unhinged. He's part of one of the five founding families, making him utterly untouchable in this elite town. His motivation is a total mess of misplaced revenge over his mom’s death, and he takes every ounce of that pain out on Wren Delaney. The power dynamic is absolute, and he uses everything—verbal abuse, social isolation, power plays, and public humiliation—to break Wren. He goes beyond verbal threats, using the threat of sexual assault and the threat of allowing others to touch her to maintain control. He is immediately possessive, and his inner monologue is purely "no one touches his toy but him."
Wren takes it all with a stiff upper lip and is the perfect FMC for this kind of intense story. This is for readers who want to explore the absolute darkest corners of the genre.
My main critique is that the transition from villain to protector felt too quick. That unsoftened arc for Briggs felt kind of rushed at the end—around the 80% mark, he became a softy, and I really wish that ruthless energy had stuck around. It's the struggle with standalones, but this one is WAY darker than a lot of what's out there. Overall, this was everything you expect from a very dark bully romance.
Briggs Weston is the definition of completely unhinged. He's part of one of the five founding families, making him utterly untouchable in this elite town. His motivation is a total mess of misplaced revenge over his mom’s death, and he takes every ounce of that pain out on Wren Delaney. The power dynamic is absolute, and he uses everything—verbal abuse, social isolation, power plays, and public humiliation—to break Wren. He goes beyond verbal threats, using the threat of sexual assault and the threat of allowing others to touch her to maintain control. He is immediately possessive, and his inner monologue is purely "no one touches his toy but him."
Wren takes it all with a stiff upper lip and is the perfect FMC for this kind of intense story. This is for readers who want to explore the absolute darkest corners of the genre.
My main critique is that the transition from villain to protector felt too quick. That unsoftened arc for Briggs felt kind of rushed at the end—around the 80% mark, he became a softy, and I really wish that ruthless energy had stuck around. It's the struggle with standalones, but this one is WAY darker than a lot of what's out there. Overall, this was everything you expect from a very dark bully romance.
December 9, 2024
Hateful Vows is the first book in the Wicked Falls Elite series. It's an enemies to lovers with dark vibes, MCs are in college, MMC is a bully and sets out for revenge and the FMC kept her head down and didn't even try to fight back with anyone. This book didn't give much detail to the 5 families and what they do. No info on the younger sister and the constant unprotected sex was cringe worthy. The story lacked detail and it felt like this story just keeps being repeated in this genre...
TW: Drug use, forced drug use, violence, dub con, non con, bullying, mention of child abuse and neglect, death of a parent by suicide, sexual assault.
Briggs Weston one of the sons of the 5 family elites that own the town. He's on God on campus and when Wren Delaney unexpectedly walks into his college class he sets out to make her his new toy and make her life hell at the same time.
Briggs father had an affair with her mother which caused his mother to commit suicide. He has hated her since and she shouldn't even be on the campus. Briggs will go psycho on her until she leaves.
Wren tries to tough it out but she doesn't know how much more she can take. She's finally made a friend and doesn't want to get her involved in her crazy life.
Suddenly, when Wren starts receiving death threats, Briggs, decides know one else is going to make her suffer but him. His actions looks like he seems to care but that can't be true, hateful vows don't turn into love or do they?
TW: Drug use, forced drug use, violence, dub con, non con, bullying, mention of child abuse and neglect, death of a parent by suicide, sexual assault.
Briggs Weston one of the sons of the 5 family elites that own the town. He's on God on campus and when Wren Delaney unexpectedly walks into his college class he sets out to make her his new toy and make her life hell at the same time.
Briggs father had an affair with her mother which caused his mother to commit suicide. He has hated her since and she shouldn't even be on the campus. Briggs will go psycho on her until she leaves.
Wren tries to tough it out but she doesn't know how much more she can take. She's finally made a friend and doesn't want to get her involved in her crazy life.
Suddenly, when Wren starts receiving death threats, Briggs, decides know one else is going to make her suffer but him. His actions looks like he seems to care but that can't be true, hateful vows don't turn into love or do they?
August 27, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hearing Sean Masters scream “It looks like even your underwear comes from goodwill!” trying to voice a random female side character SENT ME ☠️
This was a yummy dark bully romance…
Except that 🍇 scene. Where the FMC took a few sips from a drink that’s been roofied.
And then the MMC… Yeah. This also has CNC play.
Other than that, I love how possessive he was + he’s such a good big brother. I’m lowkey sold on him, the other bully parts were a bit much LOL, but I love how he’s such a sweetie off an edible. Plot wise?
I did feel like it was pretty basic, but I consider reads like this junk food. It’s not supposed to give me any nutritional value lmfao.
So curious to see about these other 4 families & Tucker 👀 I love Mya lowkey, I need to see a bit more of her personality, but I already vibe w/ her so far.
Chloe Ryan & Sean Masters did a good job narrating!!
Sean is slowly becoming a fave.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hearing Sean Masters scream “It looks like even your underwear comes from goodwill!” trying to voice a random female side character SENT ME ☠️
This was a yummy dark bully romance…
Except that 🍇 scene. Where the FMC took a few sips from a drink that’s been roofied.
And then the MMC… Yeah. This also has CNC play.
Other than that, I love how possessive he was + he’s such a good big brother. I’m lowkey sold on him, the other bully parts were a bit much LOL, but I love how he’s such a sweetie off an edible. Plot wise?
I did feel like it was pretty basic, but I consider reads like this junk food. It’s not supposed to give me any nutritional value lmfao.
So curious to see about these other 4 families & Tucker 👀 I love Mya lowkey, I need to see a bit more of her personality, but I already vibe w/ her so far.
Chloe Ryan & Sean Masters did a good job narrating!!
Sean is slowly becoming a fave.
September 17, 2025
My SIS got this one on audio and convinced me too do a buddy listen
Dual style narration 5/5 🎧
Story was not it unfortunately 3/5 ⭐️ is more than generous … felt no chemistry, no anticipation, she is bullied because of her mom’s deeds 😒 - this felt like a wannabe “Untouchable” or other well written bully romances, where main characters’ have defining traits and issues and obstacles they’re working through together! In well written stories MMCs are very obsessed and showing it from the get go, in this one MMC, felt like a douche - he was with other Virginias so it was nothing special … “except” that she was roofied and he took advantage of her and also got intentionally high prior to basically SA ing her (just so it would feel better)😣 Also no talk about protection and It makes me think he wasn’t wrapping it with others 🤢
Honestly did not vibe with this one!
Dual style narration 5/5 🎧
Story was not it unfortunately 3/5 ⭐️ is more than generous … felt no chemistry, no anticipation, she is bullied because of her mom’s deeds 😒 - this felt like a wannabe “Untouchable” or other well written bully romances, where main characters’ have defining traits and issues and obstacles they’re working through together! In well written stories MMCs are very obsessed and showing it from the get go, in this one MMC, felt like a douche - he was with other Virginias so it was nothing special … “except” that she was roofied and he took advantage of her and also got intentionally high prior to basically SA ing her (just so it would feel better)😣 Also no talk about protection and It makes me think he wasn’t wrapping it with others 🤢
Honestly did not vibe with this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
I read this book in 3 hours and I loved it. It was dark and definitely kept my interest the whole time. I’m not usually one for bully romances but this was done very well, the only issue I had was not finding out why Briggs specifically hated Wren and not just her mother, It was also very odd that a switch just flipped 3/4 into the book and magically Briggs doesn’t hate Wren anymore but while I was reading I didn’t put too much thought to it. I would definitely suggest checking the trigger warning and taking them very seriously. It was definitely dark and spicy, exactly what I needed. Absolutely excited to see what comes next!
{ARC review}
{ARC review}
December 27, 2025
okay, this was an amazing bully romance between Wren and Briggs. He is relentless! but she isn't as quiet as she leads people to believe. she's actually a pretty strong woman. And after she let's Briggs have his way with her, things suddenly shift.
she's seem to have caught the bully eye of another and Briggs feels this dilemma of protecting her. it's either that or let another bully her.
the twists and turns in this were like no other. it was chaotic and dark. this is the type of book that pulls you in and doesn't release you until it's decided it's done with you. I was so engrossed in this one that I read it one sitting.
I can't wait to dive into the rest.
she's seem to have caught the bully eye of another and Briggs feels this dilemma of protecting her. it's either that or let another bully her.
the twists and turns in this were like no other. it was chaotic and dark. this is the type of book that pulls you in and doesn't release you until it's decided it's done with you. I was so engrossed in this one that I read it one sitting.
I can't wait to dive into the rest.
September 24, 2024
Hateful Humans
Wren, the FMC, finds herself in one bad situation after another thanks to the MMC, Briggs. She's belittled, humiliated, and forced into bad circumstances because of his anger at the world. Through a strange turn of events, things come to light that help the two find new life together.
There were some parts of this book that I question as being on the right side of consent. Gray areas that leaned a little too close to black but I finished the book, and I'm glad I did.
The characters are well written and the story is fast paced making it a 5 star for me.
Wren, the FMC, finds herself in one bad situation after another thanks to the MMC, Briggs. She's belittled, humiliated, and forced into bad circumstances because of his anger at the world. Through a strange turn of events, things come to light that help the two find new life together.
There were some parts of this book that I question as being on the right side of consent. Gray areas that leaned a little too close to black but I finished the book, and I'm glad I did.
The characters are well written and the story is fast paced making it a 5 star for me.
September 5, 2024
4.5⭐️/4🌶️
This one started off tough! I didn't like Briggs at all in the beginning, and I felt SO sorry for Wren. The bullying? Totally unnecessary 😬. But as the story went on, Briggs' possessiveness? OMG, it won me over big time! 🥵 The way he was so obsessed with Wren, even going the extra mile to help her face her demons? Loved it!
And the spice... 🔥🔥🔥 So. Freaking. Hot.
I’m curious to see where this series goes—especially with Richard! 👀 Fingers crossed we get more on him in future books!
This one started off tough! I didn't like Briggs at all in the beginning, and I felt SO sorry for Wren. The bullying? Totally unnecessary 😬. But as the story went on, Briggs' possessiveness? OMG, it won me over big time! 🥵 The way he was so obsessed with Wren, even going the extra mile to help her face her demons? Loved it!
And the spice... 🔥🔥🔥 So. Freaking. Hot.
I’m curious to see where this series goes—especially with Richard! 👀 Fingers crossed we get more on him in future books!
October 6, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author and the first in the series and I really enjoyed it. To start with I was a bit confused about whether I should have read another book before this one because it took a while for everything to make sense. However, I promise that this book is absolutely worth it. I soon forgot how young the characters were and just enjoyed the book. If I’m honest it could have been twice the length and have so much added detail and depth and I would have enjoyed it more. I had just started to get invested and then the book was finished.
Looking forward to reading the next book though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Looking forward to reading the next book though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2025
I always thought Carter in Untouchable was awful but he was only awful first scene then quickly was head over heels. This dude? Mean, rude, crazy, unhinged and the word NO just accepted. He will just take it. 😆🫶🏽😆🫶🏽.
I love we got a glimpse of future people for next books and set the tone on this bad boys who rule the school and town.
If you don’t like dark bully - definitely don’t recommend. But if you do……😍😍😍
I love we got a glimpse of future people for next books and set the tone on this bad boys who rule the school and town.
If you don’t like dark bully - definitely don’t recommend. But if you do……😍😍😍
August 30, 2025
Wow. I was cringing through almost this entire book. This is bully romance to the extreme. I got through it. But iit is sitting in my brain and harboring negative space.
2 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
This book was a dark enemies to lovers romance please check your triggers before reading I love the way our main characters relationship developed I hate both main characters families minus the little sister it was fun and gripping and the mystery element kept me guessing
November 25, 2025
Hate hate hate, double hate, loathe entirely.
Can someone pls scrub my brain of this book.
If you held a gun to my head and told me to read this book or you’d shoot me… I’d let you shoot me.
Can someone pls scrub my brain of this book.
If you held a gun to my head and told me to read this book or you’d shoot me… I’d let you shoot me.
September 18, 2024
My 1st read with this author and whilst the story was well written it’s subject matter of bullying and the mindset of adults justifying this made it difficult to read.
Not a book I would choose myself, but just personal taste.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not a book I would choose myself, but just personal taste.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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